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Ethan Carter III, better known as EC3, could make a splash in AEW if he were to join Tony Khan's promotion. Sadly, the star had little success with WWE and it almost somewhat tarnished the name he had created in IMPACT Wrestling.
EC3 was seen as a key player for IMPACT and rose to the top of the roster, becoming a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. If the former NXT superstar wants to capture that magic again, then there are many dream matches awaiting him at All Elite Wrestling.
That being said, let's take a look at five dream matches for EC3 in AEW, in no particular order.
#5 EC3 vs. CM Punk in AEW
EC3 and CM Punk are quite similar. They both hold grudges towards WWE for how they were treated during their time with the company. They also both state that WWE sucked their passion for pro-wrestling out of them during their stints.
Thankfully, both found that fire again, and now it is time to see them compete against each other.
The two men have competed in the ring together only once, and it was a 41-man Battle Royal on an episode of SmackDown in 2011. The opportunity to become the No.1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship was at stake. At the time, EC3 was wrestling under the name Derrick Bateman.
EC3 has spoken in the past about his desire to build something that will last in professional wrestling, and a dream match with CM Punk would fall into that category:
"I’m interested in popping up in different players, kicking down forbidden doors, who cares. I’ll break glass ceilings and windows, I’ll burn buildings to the ground and if I have to, I’ll nuke the bingo hall. Whatever it takes to create something that will last in this industry that more people can push themselves to be their best." EC3 said (h/t TalkSport)
Of course, EC3 and CM Punk have both grown into bigger stars and found success since that Battle Royal in 2011.
It would be a dream match to see two exceptional performers collide and show just how far they've come. It's by far a pay-per-view caliber combination and, it's almost certain the AEW faithful would get behind such a bout.
Here's hoping we get to see EC3 vs. CM Punk finally square-off against each other in the near future.
#4 EC3 vs. Lance Archer in AEW
Everybody dies when it comes to AEW's resident Murderhawk Monster, Lance Archer. A clash between these two titans would be something to behold, that's if the ring can hold them, as this one could spill out all over the arena.
It would be a first-time encounter between EC3 and the veteran Archer - who has performed all over the world. There's no doubt it would be a major hit, and a real test for EC3 to show if he has what it takes to make it against the best that AEW has to offer.
#3 EC3 vs. Jon Moxey in AEW
The tragic end to EC3's career in WWE needs to be erased from all of our memories and replaced with an EC3-Moxley war. Vince McMahon reportedly claimed that a failed feud in WWE between the two was the cause of EC3's lack of opportunities.
Imagine EC3 showing up at AEW and first challenging Jon Moxley and then sticking it to WWE by having a series of incredible matches?
It would reaffirm his position as one of the most well-rounded pro wrestlers in the world, regardless of the feelings of WWE management. Redemption would be sweet.
#2 EC3 vs. Bryan Danielson in AEW
Long before AEW, if you look back at the first incarnation of NXT, you'll find EC3 (the known as Derrisk Bateman) and Bryan Danielson.
In 2011, Bryan was EC3's mentor as he looked to win NXT with a series of weekly challenges. The two faced each other once during this stint.
Both wrestlers have achieved so much since 2011 that it would be foolish if the pair didn't have the opportunity to show that in the ring. There could even be a storyline where it was all somehow Bryan's fault that EC3's career never took off in WWE because of his bad mentorship right from the start.
Either way, we would be treated to a classic if they were to compete in AEW.
#1 EC3 vs. Brian Cage in AEW
If you want to talk about a clash of two titans, then look no further than EC3 vs. Brian Cage. This one would be an outright smashmouth war.
EC3 would have no problem stepping into the ring with Brian Cage, and The Machine would have no problem taking it to Ethan Carter III.
It would certainly rank high in terms of dream matches for EC3 in AEW. If it happens, both men would have an opportunity to display their strength and agility And the fans would no doubt be the winners.
Who would you like to see EC3 wrestle on the AEW roster? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
